A macro is a list of instructions strung together for sequential execution. A macro performs a list of stuff you tell it to do, doing them one at a time.

In WOW, macros can be used to speed up certain things you have to do, such as equipping, targeting, mounting, and so on.

We’re going to make a simple macro that casts a buff on a player, then has your character send a “say” message using the buffed player’s name.

Macros are used from a toolbar.

You must be logged into a character before you start.

1. Type /macro (and press the Enter key) in your chat bar.

2. The “Create Macros” window appears. (Needless to say, work on your macros in a safe place.)

There are two tabs here; “General Macros”, and “Starflyer Specific Macros”. Starflyer is the character making the macros. You can make this macro available to all your characters (hence the General Macros tab) or just available to the character you’re logged into.

In this case, we’re making this macro just for Starflyer, a level 42 Druid.

3. Click the “Player name” Specific Macros tab.

4. Click the New button and select an icon for this macro.

5. Enter macro text in the “Enter Macro Commands” area.

Enter the list of things you want done. You’ll be putting ‘slash commands’ on each line of the macro.

Substitute the word innervate for a friendly spell or ability you have if you’re on a non-Druid character:

/cast innervate

/say %t has some nerve.

What do the above statements do? /cast innervate casts the Druid spell Innervate on yourself, or the friendly player you currently have selected. The ‘/cast’ term tells WOW to cast whatever spell or ability is listed on that line.

The /say %t has some nerve. command will make your Druid say “Playername has some nerve.” (The %t simply grabs whatever player or NPC you have targeted and uses its name in the place of the %t.)

6. Click the “Change Name/Icon” button to give the macro a name and an icon.

Type a name for the macro. That name will appear as the tooltip on your actionbar. So be sure to use something very descriptive. The icon you give to the macro will be displayed on the actionbar. Select an icon to represent this macro, and drag to it any open spot on an actionbar.

7. Close the macro window. (It saves automatically.)

Let’s try it out. Be sure you’ve completed all the steps above. Find a friendly player and click on him. Now click the icon you assigned to your macro. The friendly spell (or buff) will be cast on the player. At the same time, your character will say the statement you put in the macro. When it works, it’s great!

Ok, if your test macro worked, you’re in good shape. If you’re test macro didn’t work, it’s time to troubleshoot. Repeat all the steps above. Make sure you spelled things correctly.

Once you have these macro basics down, you can move to creating more advanced macros.